Marie’s Reading: “Until You’re Mine” by Samantha Hayes

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Random House.

(….is that all i have to say? i’ve never had an ARC before. i feel really special but also really nervous. i think all i have to do is review it, but i’m not positive. uh…here, i’ll link back to Random House Readers Circle. is that okay? also, what do i do with the book now? am i allowed to put it in the book sale? it says “not for sale” on it. does a used book sale count? or is it supposed to self-destruct? will random house stop sending me presents and take away my RH inner circle decoder pin if i do this wrong?)

As far as thrillers go, Until You’re Mine by Samantha Hayes is very well-constructed. I appreciated how there’s a great blend of suspense, mystery, and even a dash of horror. The story centers on three characters: Claudia, a pregnant social worker desperate to have a child after many miscarriages; Zoe, her nanny, who may not be what she seems; and Lorraine, a detective investigating the recent murders of pregnant women in the area. Not only have the women been murdered, but it appears that the killer attempted to take their babies.

To say too much more about the plot would be to give too much away. Part of the fun of this kind of novel is coming up on the twists and turns yourself, and making of the clues what you will. But I will say that the multiple storylines are very well-done. I liked how Zoe and Claudia are both in the first person, but Lorraine is in third. I felt it was a nice touch that gave a bit of distance with the character that needed it, and then the closeness with the characters that required it. Plus, the first-person works quite well with characters who might or might not be unhinged.

Hayes really has written a novel that will appeal to fans of several genres. Mystery fans and police procedural fans will like the fact that, if you pay attention, it’s totally possible to solve this crime with what you’re given right along with the detectives. Horror fans might enjoy the mounting tension and the murders, as well as the psychological aspect of being closed in and isolated with someone who might want to kill you. Thriller readers, this one should be right up your alley! It’s twisty and turny and compelling, with a rather clever reveal at the end.

Gillian Flynn fans, this one is for you. Right down to the creepy last scene and even creepier last line. And if you enjoy this book, Hayes intends for it to be the first in a series starring the detectives, Lorraine and her husband. So stay tuned!